To call singer Hiroshi Kitadani an icon is almost an understatement. He's a legend in the J-pop world and behind some of the most recognisable songs from the anime world, including We Are!, the theme song of the global phenomenon, ONE PIECE.
Kitadani was recently in India to perform We Are! in front of an Indian crowd for the first time. He sat down with Hindustan Times to talk about his India trip, ONE PIECE, and his love for Indian films.
Kitadani has said that We Are! saved his life, coming to him at his lowest point in his career. He never imagined the song or ONE PIECE would become the global phenomenon they have, calling it 'truly an unbelievable event'.
Kitadani admits that foreign travel feels special to him because it proves his song has travelled across borders. He's drawn to India for its films, naming RRR, Padman, and Hotel Mumbai as some of his favourites.
Kitadani's love for Indian films is matched by Japan's love for Indian star Rajinikanth, who has been a popular star in Japan since the release of Muthu over two decades ago. Kitadani exclaimed, 'Ah, I know the Dancing Maharaja. He is famous!'
Kitadani was brought to India by Crunchyroll for the Mumbai Comic Con last weekend, where he performed We Are! to a packed crowd.
